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Key House CU supporters join still-growing GAC lineup

WASHINGTON (2/20/14)--With the launch of its 2014 Governmental Affairs Conference just days away, the Credit Union National Association continues to add new voices to an already exceptional list of scheduled speakers. Reps. Sander Levin (D-Mich.)--the ranking member of the tax-policy oversight House Ways and Means Committee, Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) and John Larson (D-Conn.) are now also signed up to speak next week.

Levin said last year at the GAC that is "committed" to a tax code that "ensures important policies, like the credit union tax exemption, continue to serve the best interest of the American taxpayer." Levin said he has long supported credit unions and the critical role they play in communities across the country.

"Throughout the financial crisis, credit unions increased lending because of their cooperative membership structure--providing a needed lifeline to individuals and small businesses that other lenders and financial institutions could not," Levin added.

Larson, who is a credit union member, has told the Credit Union League of Connecticut he can "speak of first hand of the value that credit unions bring especially during difficult times, and the unique nature of the charter agreement." Larson also encouraged credit unions to remain vigilant as tax reform debates progress. Educating new legislators who may not be familiar with credit union ideals, structure and tradition of service excellence is of particular importance, Larson said.

Braley has made public remarks in support of another credit union priority, increasing the member business lending cap. The three-term House member last year told attendees at the Iowa Credit Union League's annual Legislative and Regulatory Conference last year that he believes in the value of MBLs and thinks there should be enough room for all parties involved. "To me, there should be plenty of room at the table for lenders doing commercial and business lending," he said.

More than 4,300 people are expected to attend this year's GAC, which will feature 230 companies represented in 360 exhibit hall booths.

The conference will be held Feb. 23-27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

For more on the GAC and its power-packed lineup of speakers, use the resource link.